Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Injuries, Roster Moves, Lecavalier on RW, Net Effects

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Injuries, Roster Moves, Lecavalier on RW, Net Effects
- bmeltzer

Adios, to The Liability.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Injuries, Roster Moves, Lecavalier on RW, Net Effects
- bmeltzer

Thanks for the updates!

I am stuck waiting for a connecting flight at Miami airport. Thanks to you and hockey buzz for helping me pass the time!

Regarding roster moves, I would have to think the 2 to go once VL and Hartnell are activated are Newbury and Gill. I think Newbury was signed basically to play with the Phantoms and be an injury call-up and Gill could use some playing time. Plus his experience could only be a plus for guys like Alt and Lauridsen.

I think on paper, the Flyers are a stronger team with Lecavalier centering the 2nd line. But with the offensive woes the team has been having, anything is worth a try. As far as roster moves are concerned. I think Gill and Newbury should be sent down. With Rosehill remaining as the 13th forward.

I was at that game in 92, and find it hard to believe that selanne is still playing at such a high level.

Thanks for the updates Bill.

Regarding Hagg, the big knock on him was consistency issues. Although it's only been a handful of games, do you think that is still an issue he has to overcome, or have you seen him showing more consistency?

Adios, to The Liability.
- bradleyc4

they're getting rid of the whole team?

I think on paper, the Flyers are a stronger team with Lecavalier centering the 2nd line. But with the offensive woes the team has been having, anything is worth a try. As far as roster moves are concerned. I think Gill and Newbury should be sent down. With Rosehill remaining as the 13th forward.
- MJL

I'm ok with moving VL to wing on Giroux's line for 2 reasons:
1. VL has always been more of a finisher than a playmaker and should mesh well with Giroux
and
2. B Schenn just looks more comfortable at center.

I also like the mix on each of the new lines
Raffl-G-VL
Speedy 2-way winger, elite playmaking center, goal scorer with size and skill
McGinn-Schenn-Voracek
Gritty net crasher-skilled center with good speed-big fast playmaking winger
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
smart, 2-way winger-shut down center with good skills-fast, gritty, net-crasher
Talbot-Hall-Rinaldo
checker who can chip in some offense-PK specialist/faceoff guy, speedy agitator

ANd it will even get better if you can soon replace Hall in the lineup with Hartnell

I'm ok with moving VL to wing on Giroux's line for 2 reasons:
1. VL has always been more of a finisher than a playmaker and should mesh well with Giroux
and
2. B Schenn just looks more comfortable at center.

I also like the mix on each of the new lines
Raffl-G-VL
Speedy 2-way winger, elite playmaking center, goal scorer with size and skill
McGinn-Schenn-Voracek
Gritty net crasher-skilled center with good speed-big fast playmaking winger
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
smart, 2-way winger-shut down center with good skills-fast, gritty, net-crasher
Talbot-Hall-Rinaldo
checker who can chip in some offense-PK specialist/faceoff guy, speedy agitator

ANd it will even get better if you can soon replace Hall in the lineup with Hartnell
- BiggE

If you replace Hall with Hartnell, does Talbot become your new 4C?
And you're forgetting the to-be-named "Player X" we get in trade for Coburn after we're done "dumping" him.

they're getting rid of the whole team?
- Doc_Sarcasm

No, just the worst of the bunch.

And, only in my dreams.

Adios, to The Liability.
- bradleyc4

I for one really really really really hope both Raffl and McGinn stay with the big club and stay in the lineup. they have both shown speed and/or jump and I personally have liked what I have seen.

If you replace Hall with Hartnell, does Talbot become your new 4C?
- jmatchett383

Yup, though he's not as good as Hall on faceoffs, he's better at every other facet of the game. I think Hartnell would eventually replace Raffl on the top line and give us a 4th line of
Raffl-Talbot-Rinaldo
This would finally give the Flyers a 4th line that can actually chip in a little offense. And they would still have the option of going with:
Talbot-Hall-Raffl
if they want to sacrifice some grit for a better PK/faceoff guy.

Thanks for the updates Bill.

Regarding Hagg, the big knock on him was consistency issues. Although it's only been a handful of games, do you think that is still an issue he has to overcome, or have you seen him showing more consistency?
- jmatchett383

Absolutely still an issue. I have seen six of his games this season in their entirety and portions of three others. He has shown flashes of brilliance but is also prone to some really awful plays that are as much due to inattentiveness than being physical mistakes.

For instance, in a game against Leksand, I saw him make a nice play along the boards and then make a good clearing pass. For some inexplicable reason, Hägg then proceeded to drift over the blueline and took himself out of position as the puck got turned over in the neutral zone and Leksand quickly countered. It became a 2-on-1 because the rookie had taken himself out of the play.

Those sorts of things happen a little too often with Hägg thus far.

Absolutely still an issue. I have seen six of his games this season in their entirety and portions of three others. He has shown flashes of brilliance but is also prone to some really awful plays that are as much due to inattentiveness than being physical mistakes.

For instance, in a game against Leksand, I saw him make a nice play along the boards and then make a good clearing pass. For some inexplicable reason, Hägg then proceeded to drift over the blueline and took himself out of position as the puck got turned over in the neutral zone and Leksand quickly countered. It became a 2-on-1 because the rookie had taken himself out of the play.

Those sorts of things happen a little too often with Hägg thus far.
- bmeltzer

Perhaps he could use some time in the press box as a wake up call?

I for one really really really really hope both Raffl and McGinn stay with the big club and stay in the lineup. they have both shown speed and/or jump and I personally have liked what I have seen.
- nastyflyergirl

+1

Absolutely still an issue. I have seen six of his games this season in their entirety and portions of three others. He has shown flashes of brilliance but is also prone to some really awful plays that are as much due to inattentiveness than being physical mistakes.

For instance, in a game against Leksand, I saw him make a nice play along the boards and then make a good clearing pass. For some inexplicable reason, Hägg then proceeded to drift over the blueline and took himself out of position as the puck got turned over in the neutral zone and Leksand quickly countered. It became a 2-on-1 because the rookie had taken himself out of the play.

Those sorts of things happen a little too often with Hägg thus far.
- bmeltzer

Do you think those kind of mental issues may be minimized playing on a NA playing surface?

I for one really really really really hope both Raffl and McGinn stay with the big club and stay in the lineup. they have both shown speed and/or jump and I personally have liked what I have seen.
- nastyflyergirl

They're obvious upgrades over guys like Newbury and Rosehill and belong in the NHL. Whereas, the latter two do not.

I'm ok with moving VL to wing on Giroux's line for 2 reasons:
1. VL has always been more of a finisher than a playmaker and should mesh well with Giroux
and
2. B Schenn just looks more comfortable at center.

I also like the mix on each of the new lines
Raffl-G-VL
Speedy 2-way winger, elite playmaking center, goal scorer with size and skill
McGinn-Schenn-Voracek
Gritty net crasher-skilled center with good speed-big fast playmaking winger
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
smart, 2-way winger-shut down center with good skills-fast, gritty, net-crasher
Talbot-Hall-Rinaldo
checker who can chip in some offense-PK specialist/faceoff guy, speedy agitator

ANd it will even get better if you can soon replace Hall in the lineup with Hartnell
- BiggE

Like I said, it's worth a try to try and get something started. I like some things, and I don't like some things. But that will be the case with any combinations put together. I personally prefer B Schenn at Wing. I think his game is better suited for the Wing. And I don't like Simmonds with Couturier for defensive matchup issues. I'd also leave Hall in the linup when Hartnell returns

They're obvious upgrades over guys like Newbury and Rosehill and belong in the NHL. Whereas, the latter two do not.
- bradleyc4

It's about roles. They're upgrades over both if they play a regular spot in the lineup. But I wouldn't want either Raffl or McGinn on the roster as a 13th forward and frequent scratch. Rosehill and Newbury are better suited for that role. Newbury can help the phantoms more, so I'd choose Rosehill to stay on as the 13th. If either Raffl and McGinn are not going to play regularly, I would send them back to the Phantoms.

Like I said, it's worth a try to try and get something started. I like some things, and I don't like some things. But that will be the case with any combinations put together. I personally prefer B Schenn at Wing. I think his game is better suited for the Wing. And I don't like Simmonds with Couturier for defensive matchup issues. I'd also leave Hall in the linup when Hartnell returns
- MJL

Schenn's long term potential may be better at wing, but for now I think its best to keep him where he is comfortable. As you know, I am NOT a big fan of Simmonds defensive game, but I'd rather see him with defensively responsible players like Couturier and Read, rather than guys like VL and Schenn.

RE Hall vs Rinaldo
I'm pretty much ok with either. Rinaldo brings energy to the lineup and that, to me, is a positive. However, Hall wins faceoffs and kills penalties and is solid in his role. Neither would likely see more than 5-6 minutes per game at even strength, so it all depends on how vital they feel Hall is to the PK.

Getting ready to head to my flight to Key West!

I'll check in during or after the Ranger game, have a good day all!!

I for one really really really really hope both Raffl and McGinn stay with the big club and stay in the lineup. they have both shown speed and/or jump and I personally have liked what I have seen.
- nastyflyergirl

i'm fine with this. i liked mcginn last year and i like him now. i'm intrigued enough by raffl to let him hang out for awhile longer. certainly nobody else is really stepping out. not going to be any worse.

Getting ready to head to my flight to Key West!

I'll check in during or after the Ranger game, have a good day all!!
- BiggE

Have a safe flight!

i'm fine with this. i liked mcginn last year and i like him now. i'm intrigued enough by raffl to let him hang out for awhile longer. certainly nobody else is really stepping out. not going to be any worse.
- hammarby31

The only problem I have with keeping McGinn up is that he'll probably play on the 4th line. He's much more effective when he's playing with skilled players who get the puck to the net. I almost feel like he's being wasted on the 4th line and might as well get top line minutes in the AHL.

Getting ready to head to my flight to Key West!

I'll check in during or after the Ranger game, have a good day all!!
- BiggE

Nice!